October 29, 2024
(We believe) “on the third day he rose again, in accordance to the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated on the right hand of the Father;”
While the events of Jesus Christ dying on the cross are not disputed historically, His resurrection has always been one of historical contention (outside of Christendom). For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus Christ rests purely on faith, based on eyewitness testimony at the time.
It’s interesting, isn’t it, that the bishops who gathered in both Nicaea and Constantinople stated that Jesus rose again… “according to the Scriptures.” They too were just like us; they weren’t eyewitnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but they took of the Holy Christians Scriptures “as gospel truth.” For them, and for us today, we either believe what the Word of God says —that it’s wholly infallible — or we don’t. They did! To believe in Christ is to do the same.
Let’s consider some of those eyewitness testimonies, as recorded in the scriptures, as well as other scriptures supporting said claims. Let’s begin our journey today just as the son was arising over the horizon, and as the Son was arising in His tomb. Two women and Roman soldiers were the first to experience the resurrection of Christ. Consider Matthew 28:1–15 and John 20:11–18
So far, that’s four eyewitness accounts. Let’s expand the list. Next were two more disciples; one who’s name was Cleopas. Their story is recorded in the Gospel According to Luke, Chapter 24.
See Luke 24:13–34. So excited about their encounter with the Risen Christ, they ran to Jerusalem to find the Apostles to share the good news. Luke continued the story, when all of a sudden, Jesus appeared to the Apostles (minus Thomas) as well. Let’s keep reading. See Luke 24:35–48
So far, by sundown on that first Easter Sunday, Jesus had appeared to at least 14 people — 16 or more if we include the Roman guards who fell faint. (NOTE: the scriptures don’t record how many Roman soldiers were guarding Jesus’ tomb. Most likely, it was probably 4 or 5, bringing the number to 18+).
Over the ensuing 39 days, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people, according to the scriptures as recorded by the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote: 1 Corinthians 15:3–8. Paul even said, Christ appeared to him.
The old expression says that people won’t die for a lie. So why then do you think so many people today doubt the eyewitness accounts of the Apostles, when all the disciples (but one) died a martyr’s death—each testifying, without wavering, their undying belief that they’d encountered the Risen Christ?
Remember earlier when I said that it takes faith to believe in the resurrection of Christ? What if there was another kind of witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that scientifically spoke of it , that Jesus did, in fact, rise from the dead? I’m sure you’ve all heard of the Shroud of Turin. Have you heard the latest evidence?
Let’s talk about it for a bit….
Consider an online article written by Australian Shroud researcher and author Stephen Jones said this:
Believing the shroud to be the authentic burial cloth of Jesus, why do you think they would’ve placed coins over Jesus’ eyelids?
The next statement within the Nicene Creed we’re discussing today states that Christ Jesus “ascended into heaven and is seated on the right hand of the Father.” Consider the only two Gospel accounts that speak of Jesus’ ascension:
During my seminal class on the Acts of the Apostles, Dr. Thorsten Moritz asked how we believed Jesus “ascended” to heaven – as if “beaming” up into the sky, or perhaps simply opening heaven and walking into glory. His lecture and the ensuing discussion was fascinating. But, in the end, his lecture was merely academic, and so can be our wondering “how” Jesus ascended (versus believing it really happened).
It’s good for us to consider the importance of understanding why Jesus sits at the “right hand of the Father.” Here’s a few more verses for you to consider as we wrap this week up.
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